Food and Water Samples Sent for Testing

A high-level health team led by Ashok Paikray, additional director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), visited Nuadihi village in Hemgir block of Sundargarh in  Odisha on Monday after two people died in a suspected food poisoning incident. Two more deaths were reported from nearby villages in Jharsuguda district. The team, along with district officials, reviewed the situation and supervised response measures. Food safety officials collected samples of cooking oil, grocery items, fish, and water from the feast venue and nearby shops. Authorities sent the samples to the State Food Testing Laboratory for analysis.

Over 50 People Fall Ill After Feast

According to officials, residents from Nuadihi and nearby Jharsuguda villages attended a post-funeral feast on Thursday. From Friday onwards, several people developed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. A total of 54 people across the two districts reportedly fell ill, including 47 from Nuadihi. Health teams admitted 28 patients to Hemgir CHC, while six were later shifted to Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital after their condition worsened. Officials said most patients are now stable. Currently, 12 people are undergoing treatment at Hemgir CHC and five at Sundargarh DHH.

Officials Advise Villagers to Avoid Pond Water

During the visit, officials advised villagers not to use pond water amid contamination concerns. Authorities also disinfected wells and collected water and rectal swab samples for bacteriological testing. The district administration directed all departments, including food safety officials, to expedite the investigation and submit reports quickly.

Source: The Times of India